Juanita Dawson

Juanita Marie Cora Dawson was born to Martin and Josephine Mijares on November, 17, 1936. She was the eldest of seven children and is survived by three siblings: Philbert Mijares, Michelle (Virginia) Feller, and David Garcia. She was the loving wife to Thomas Dawson and devoted mother of daughters, Jennifer and Rachael. She is survived by eight grandsons and one granddaughter. Juanita led a life of many adventures and was unafraid to take risks. She had a fierce determination to stick to her beliefs and would often tell it exactly how she saw it regarding the actions and choices of those she encountered. She was direct, she was honest and she never assumed any pretense. Juanita was a loving and loyal person who held a special place in her heart for children and would jump to the defense of any child she felt needed assistance. She loved to hear children laugh and she loved to give them candy! Her later years were spent battling liver cancer. She endured great pain and suffering with this disease. She fought bravely and made the difficult decision to end her treatment with the dignity and acceptance that all things must come to an end. She was surrounded by family and friends who cared for her and loved her deeply. Even in her last hours, she selflessly held on to ensure each person could come to say goodbye. She took the time to hold our hands and smile, to listen to us, and to make certain we knew she loved us. One of the final decisions Juanita made was to agree to pray for forgiveness of sin and ask Jesus into her heart. She did this with many family members and friends present to witness her acceptance of Jesus as her Lord and savior. Juanita was a wonderfully unique woman who left a void in the hearts and lives of those who knew and loved her when she passed away peacefully in the presence of her daughters on the morning of December 6, 2010 at 11:03am at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center at the age of 74. Posted by All Veterans Funeral & Cremation.